I don't do either, but I know brewers in our club who do both, and both methods can make great beer. I think it's really a matter of preference. HERMS is probably a little less prone to scorching or caramelization during the mash, but I think with good control there's probably little difference.

I'm assuming you're already brewing all-grain and are familiar with mashing techniques. If that's not the case, I'd suggest starting simple with infusion step mashing or direct-fired step mashing to get familiar with those processes and how they affect wort production.

I've built and used both and always used ULWD electric elements in both set ups. I'm back to the RIMS setup mainly because it was easier to set temperatures. I can bring temps up faster as well with 3 elements. During spargeing I run out of the MLT through the RIMS tube and into the Boil Kettle. I've got 4500 watts in the RIMS tube and 5500 in the kettle, I'm easily at boiling at the end of the sparge.

I found that using the HLT to hold the HERMS coil it took longer to ramp temps up for Mashout.

To me electric vs. gas is more of a lifestyle decision. For me I spent approximately $10 on energy using gas and now spend $2 on electricity. My system is not portable, and is mounted in my garage, if you look at theelectricbrewery.com it will give you an idea of how much you can spend to save $8 per batch.

If I were to do a gas build I might still look into a RIMS tube to keep the mash at temp. That being said if you can stir the mash and are okay with vorloff you'll be fine. Not as precise as keeping the mash liquid recirculating and occasionally hitting it with a bit of heat, but excellent beer is made with all types of systems.

If you we're going to use gas, I would shoot for the HERMS system. My first HERMS coil in my HLT was a 50ft 1/2" stainless steel immersion chiller from Midwest Supplies. I got to play around with the process without punching holes in fancy kettles. Kind of a simple HERMS setup MLT-->Pump-->IC in HLT-->hose floated on top of MLT.

If you we're going to use gas, I would shoot for the HERMS system. My first HERMS coil in my HLT was a 50ft 1/2" stainless steel immersion chiller from Midwest Supplies. I got to play around with the process without punching holes in fancy kettles. Kind of a simple HERMS setup MLT-->Pump-->IC in HLT-->hose floated on top of MLT.

A fairly simple way to try HERMS mashing out.

Can you use HERMS on an electric? The example of a HERMS setup is exactly what I am going for.

I figured it is going to take me about 3 months till I can brew all grain. I've got limited funds so taking my time and not stressing out the budget or my wife.